Lies, damned lies and economists’ statistics
It is said: put 12 economists together, ask them a question and you will get 12 different answers.
I have no wish to denigrate economists but their work is not an absolute science.
There are other types of economists who don’t just assess the economics but also factor in political analysis. These are generally more accurate.
The foregoing is an introduction to my comments on General Expenditure and Revenue Statistics, commonly referred to as GERS.
GERS is gloated over by unionists as confirmation that Scotland would have an economic black hole of £15bn with independence and would be poor.
They conveniently ignore the UK’S £150bn-odd balance of payments deficit and its almost £2tn national debt (and unionists say Scotland would be a basket case?).
The £15bn talked about is what is considered by the people who compile GERS to be Scotland’s share of this debt.
Much of it is guesswork and contains costs for items and matters we do not have or get. Examples are Hinkley Point, London sewer works, their Underground alterations and Crossrail, Westminster refurbishment, salaries/ expenses for 600-odd MPS and even more for lords and ladies and extra civil servants for Brexit.
Why is 8 per cent of the British population (Scotland) accredited with 17 per cent of the UK deficit?
The essential point is the above costs would not exist in an independent Scotland’s budget.
I will quote Richard Murphy, a celebrated author, chartered accountant, political economist and campaigner against tax avoidance: “GERS might properly be called crap data.”
Robert Brennan, address supplied
care in April 2016.
Elected councillors, who are then nominated to integrated joint boards, will be given the power to influence our health and social care system and make vital decisions that will affect us all.
One in four of us are living with or at increased risk of diabetes. The diabetes community is Scotland’s largest constituency, which is why it’s vital that local election candidates understand the wide-reaching impact of the condition.
People should be supported in managing their diabetes well to help avoid complications which may result in hospitalisation, disability and even premature death.
Diabetes Scotland is reaching out to candidates across Scotland to raise awareness and understanding of diabetes. New councillors must understand that diabetes not only affects the individual and their family but also our NHS Scotland and the wider economy.
We must prioritise the care and support of people living with all types of diabetes and look at how to introduce new, more effective ways to prevent the rise of type 2 diabetes.
We’re calling on people affected by diabetes across Lanarkshire to contact their local candidates and ask them if they will #Stand4diabetes.
Before May 4 we have to know if our candidates are committed to ensuring that people living with the condition are supported to live health, happy lives.
If you would like to get involved in Diabetes Scotland campaigns please get in touch via Gavin.thomson@diabetes. org.uk or phone 0141 245 6380.
Gavin Thomson, Diabetes Scotland, Glasgow